Ever since my coronavirus diary post sharing Taiwan Talk radio host Trevor Tortomasi’s interview with an entomologist at National Taiwan University, I’ve been listening in on more of his programs – and I’m getting hooked. Before, I didn’t know much about entomology. After the show, I felt so much smarter!
As I had mentioned in the November 2020 post, radio station ICRT (International Community Radio Taipei) is Taiwan’s only English-language radio station serving Taiwan’s expat community. The station was originally established to serve U.S. military personnel until 1979 when the U.S. ended diplomatic ties with the Republic of China.
Taiwan Talk was added to the station’s programming in 2013 to offer lively, entertaining, and informative conversations with local expats about culture, entertainment, and music in Taiwan. What an eye-opening and fascinating opportunity to learn from a “bird’s- eye view” what life is like living in Taiwan.
In another fantastic interview, “Wisdom from the Black Expat – Podcaster, Traveler, and Bar Owner – Carl Hill,” I can’t help but embrace Carl’s openness to leave Chicago, Illinois, to try something new. Now living in Taiwan for 11 years, it was indeed a game-changer, not just for himself, but for others.
I can’t help saying that it’s even more special for me when I listen to Trevor’s interviews because I know him personally. He grew up in my town, Sierra Madre, California. Fifteen years ago, during high school, he spent three-weeks in Taiwan, an experience that triggered his interest to learn the Chinese language.
And that he did. He went on to earn a Bachelor’s Degree in Chinese Language and Literature from University of California at Irvine and studied Chinese Language and Literature at National Taiwan University.
This is your country, and it’s up to you to save it.” – English translation of a saying in Taiwan
Washing Hands + Wearing a Mask + Social Distancing = Saving Lives